UNSW has signed on to the Generation Study Abroad program, a five-year initiative of the Institute of International Education that promotes increased global exchange opportunities with more than 300 partner institutions.

Director of International Affairs at UNSW, Christopher McKenna, says the University is committed to fostering US and Australian relationships through more research and education partnerships.

“Generation Study Abroad builds engagement with universities in the US through our study abroad, student exchange and research exchange programs. The goal is to increase the number of US students coming to UNSW on exchange to 1,500 annually,” says Mr McKenna.

20-year-old Olivia Rossetti is currently studying at UNSW’s Australian School of Business on exchange from the University of Connecticut, where she met many students on exchange from UNSW.

“They really talked up UNSW and Australia in general, so I was pretty much sold when applying. I also chose UNSW because the Australian School of Business has a reputation as a top-notch business school,” says Olivia.

“I only have classes Monday to Wednesday, which means that I have long weekends that are perfect for weekend trips and activities. My favourite experience so far has been patting a kangaroo. It seems a bit silly… but it’s something I will never forget,” she says.

The US is the number one destination for local UNSW students, with almost 40 per cent heading there for their exchange program.

Joshua Geron, 22, recently returned from a six-month exchange to the Wharton School of Business, Pennsylvania. He says because UNSW has partnerships with some of the most respected universities in the US, the opportunity was “too good to pass up”.

“I was a little sceptical about all the claims of exchange being life changing but I can honestly say it's true. The experience was so worthwhile that I'm going on exchange again to Copenhagen Business School,” says Joshua.

Olivia says the opportunity to learn both inside and outside the classroom was what she enjoyed most about the exchange program at UNSW. 

 “It's really opened my mind to opportunities, the way things are done in business around the world, and how I can apply those learnings in both my professional and personal life,” she says.

Gaining a global education experience is more important than ever, says Mr McKenna.

“In 2013 we had a record number of students undertaking exchanges in 35 countries. Their experiences will prepare them to become global citizens, capable of leadership and professional practice in an international community,” he says.

The University has a staff representative in the US to provide support for students wanting to study at UNSW. In addition, UNSW offers a number of scholarships for Study Abroad students that are awarded on financial need and demonstrated academic merit.

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US exchange student Olivia Rossetti

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